THE PERSUASIVEESSAY

WHAT EVERY STUDENTS NEEDS TO KNOW BEFORE & DURING WRITING

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES

INTRODUCTION

PRE-WRITING

PROCESS

SAMPLE ESSAYS

LANGUAGE

What is a Persuasive Essay?

An argument

Persuades the audience to believe in your opinion on

the topic.

Uses reasoning, facts, examples, and quotes to convince the

reader.

Persuasive Techniques are Everywhere!

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaGJNxCxB-s&feature=related

What is the objective or goal of persuasive writing?

• to state the writer’s opinion• to give reasons why the reader should agree• to convince the reader to take action

Copying permitted

Reasons to Know How to Write a Persuasive Essay…

• Every good speech, discussion or essay needs strong

closure to force the reader or listener to think carefully about what you have just said or written.

• Emphasizes critical thinking and analysis skills

• Relativity: • Provides practice for college admissions/cover letter

writing Required to demonstrate this skill on the

Standardized Testing Where else?

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How to Begin:

3. Brainstorm your reasons using a T-Chart

or the four-square method.

2. Choose one side.

1. Read the WRITING SITUATION over and over to ensure you understand what

you’re required to write about.

Read the prompt carefully before you begin.

• Writing Situation: Many eighteen year olds who are old enough to vote, choose not to register, not participating in elections. Do you think it is important to register and exercise your right to vote? Consider the reasons one would want to register and participate in elections.

• Write an essay in support of or against voting. • OR Writing Situation: For your annual seventh grade field

trip, your principal has decided to allow the students to help decide where the trip will take place. The person who provides the best argument will get to decide where the students go.

• Write a letter to your principal explaining where you want to go and why it is the best place.

What am I doing?Identify in the “WRITING TASK” If you’re

writing a letter and to whom.

• “Write a letter to the newspaper” = Dear Editor,

• “Write a letter to board members” = Dear Board of Education Members,

• “Write a letter to your principal” = Dear Principal,

• “Write a letter to the mayor” = Dear Mayor,

• “Write an essay” = You do not need an opening salutation

Purpose & Audience• It is important to always keep your PURPOSE for writing

in mind.– Persuasive– Expository– Narrative– Descriptive

• Knowing your AUDIENCE determines the tone and language or vocabulary of your writing– FORMAL WRITING-for a teacher, boss, principal, parent,

political representative, etc… – INFORMAL WRITING-for a friend, cousin, close family

member, etc…

Persuasive Essay: Ways to Brainstorm

PLANNINGUse MEETS

Imagine you are writing an essay in support of school uniforms.

T-ChartPick your position: which side of the

problem/issue are you on?

SUPPORT AGAINST

MEETS

M: Money•Parents can save money on clothes because they are buying uniforms.

Can you think of another reason for or against?

E: Education• Students will concentrate more on their

school work and less on what other people are wearing.

• Can you think of another reason for or against?

E: Effort• You do not have to think about what

you are going to wear every day.

• Can you think of another reason for or against?

T: Time• You can sleep later in the morning

because you already know what you are going to wear.

• Can you think of another reason for or against?

S: Safety• There will be less teasing because

everyone is dressed the same.

• Can you think of another reason for or against?

FOUR- SQUARE BRAINSTORMING METHOD:FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH:

Transition Word: ______

First Body Paragraph Reason Supporting Detail 1 Supporting Detail 2 Supporting Detail 3

SECOND PARAGRAPH:

Transition Word: ______

Second Body Paragraph Reason Supporting Detail 1 Supporting Detail 2 Supporting Detail 3

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH: List your hook, opinion and 3 reasons

THIRD BODY PARAGRAPH:

Transition Word: ______

Third Body Paragraph Reason Supporting Detail 1 Supporting Detail 2 Supporting Detail 3

CONCLUSION: Can you state a possible alternative? (Another option)

Restate your opinion with your three reasons.

End with a closing, thought-provoking sentence.

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Five Paragraph Essay Structure

Introduction-GRAB your reader’s attention. Go from GENERAL to SPECIFIC. The last line is your thesis statement!

Body #1: Begin with a transition and discuss your first example Include persuasive techniques!

Body #2: Begin with a transition and discuss your second (weakest) example. Include persuasive techniques!

Body #3: Begin with a transition and discuss your third example Include persuasive techniques!

Conclusion: Final paragraph should restate thesis IN A NEW WAY. Wrap up your topic with a “call for action” and a clincher sentence. MAKE IT MEMORABLE!

INTROUSE A LEAD!!!

• Direct lead – defines the problem or solution“Parents of a school are demanding a rule that would forbid students from going across

the street to the store in the morning”

• Question lead – the writer asks the reader a rhetorical question “What would happen at our school if students had no consequences for their

behavior?”

• Statistical lead – facts (real or pretend) “According to the Journal of Education, 3 out of 5 children score higher on

standardized tests when they are in a self contained classroom.”

• Narrative lead – start with an interesting story or personal anecdote“Last year, in my old school, getting ready in the morning was much easier because we

wore uniforms.”

• Word LeadThis starts with a great word, WORD CHOICE, and makes the reader think, followed by a creative statement

Nutrition . . . it will be a thing of the past if students gorge themselves on Big Macs every day! 

• The Descriptive LeadThis lead splashes images like poetry, painting vivid characters, animals, objects, or unusual settings.

The smell of fries gives me a rush as soon as I exit the school building. I follow my nose until the golden arches come into sight, and I burst through the gleaming glass doors like a man with a mission. The whirring of milk shakes and sizzle of burgers on the griddle excite me, and I’m looking forward to a hot lunch as I’ve never looked forward to lunch in our school cafeteria. I wish parents would try to understand this instead of asking for a rule that would forbid us from leaving the building for lunch. I strongly oppose their demands.

• The Imagine LeadThe writer asks the reader to imagine something. It is closely related to the descriptive lead.

Can you imagine having the freedom to choose your lunch from a delicious variety of selections served piping hot? Isn’t it great to be able to sit and talk to your friends for forty minutes without the blasting noise of the cafeteria? Well, that’s what the students from our school have been enjoying for the past month; however we may lose that privilege if the groups of parents who oppose this practice are supported by the school board. I personally take pleasure in this relaxing lunch and would like it to continue.

• The Combination LeadThis technique combines two or more of the above leads in an opening. For example, the question and descriptive leads work well together.

I can just smell it now. I love fast food restaurants. They are the best for me. I can’t live without them, can you? Ever since Burger King opened up across the street from my school, each day has been so delicious. Up until last week, I read an article in the school newspaper which brought me to my feet. It stated that some parents are demanding a school rule that would forbid students from entering the restaurant during school hours. After reading the article I started thinking. Then I realized that I oppose this controversial issue. I find this demand very inappropriate for many reasons.

State The Problem/Situation

• After your write a lead, you need to give a clear statement of what your problem is.

• Let the reader know what your essay will be focused on

Thesis StatementsA THESIS STATEMENT is one sentence that

states the purpose of your paper.

A specific subject

+A particular stand, feeling or position

THESIS STATEMENT

Creating a Thesis…

Your thesis should ANSWER a single QUESTION you have about your topic.

• STEP 1: Come up with a specific question about your topic based upon your opinion.

• STEP 2: Answer the question.– The answer to your question should be the beginning of

your thesis statement.

First Body ParagraphALWAYS NEED A TRANSITION WORD/PHRASE:

STATE ONE REASON WHY YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE

CAN APPEAL TO THE AUDIENCE’S LOGIC, EMOTIONS, OR MORALS

EXPLAIN 3 SUPPORTING DETAILS TO SUPPORT/PROVE YOUR REASON:

SUPPORTING DETAIL SUPPORTING DETAIL SUPPORTING DETAIL

Include specific examples and

allusions. BONUS

POINTS!

Second Body Paragraph

ALWAYS NEED A TRANSITION WORD/PHRASE:

STATE ONE REASON WHY YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE

CAN APPEAL TO THE AUDIENCE’S LOGIC, EMOTIONS, OR MORALS

EXPLAIN 3 SUPPORTING DETAILS TO SUPPORT/PROVE YOUR REASON:

SUPPORTING DETAIL SUPPORTING DETAIL SUPPORTING DETAIL

Include specific examples and

allusions. BONUS

POINTS!

Third Body ParagraphALWAYS NEED A TRANSITION WORD/PHRASE:

STATE ONE REASON WHY YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE

CAN APPEAL TO THE AUDIENCE’S LOGIC, EMOTIONS, OR MORALS

EXPLAIN 3 SUPPORTING DETAILS TO SUPPORT/PROVE YOUR REASON:

SUPPORTING DETAIL SUPPORTING DETAIL SUPPORTING DETAIL

This is where you can acknowledge the opposition.

Prove the other side is wrong. Choose

one argument from the other side and prove it is wrong.

Include specific, real-life examples

and allusions. BONUS

POINTS!

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

TRANSITION PHRASE: “AS ONE CAN SEE…..”

1. RESTATE YOUR OPINION AND THREE REASONS.

STATE A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE {ANOTHER OPTION}. (NOT IN EVERY ESSAY)

2. INCLUDE A SENTENCE OR A QUESTION TO BRING CLOSURE.

THOUGHT-PROVOKING STATEMENT OR QUESTION

Call For ACTION!

• Offer a solution to your problem/thesis.• Give your audience suggestions as to what they

can do to support your position/opinion.

– EX: ~Write a letter to the principal.~Start a petition.~Attend the Board of

Education meeting this Thursday to support school uniforms.

Final Thoughts…Wrap up your final thoughts, and restate your opinions in the last paragraph on the

essay.Restate

(in a creative way) the importa

nt points/main idea in the essay

Regain your audience’s interest in your ideas

Address your audience with a call of action or

question

Most important part of the essay: Spend time

editing and

planning your

conclusion

carefully!!

CONCLUSION

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PERSUASIVE WORDS A – ZPersuasive words motivate readers. Imagine the impact of persuasive words in your writing. Here are a

few sparks for igniting the power of your persuasive essay.

Abundant Accelerate Accurate Achieve Active Adopt Advantage

Affected Align Amazing Ample Anticipate Appealing Articulate

Assess Audible Awesome Beautiful Boost Breakthrough Brilliant

Build Capture Certain Clarity Clarify Comfortable communicate

Compliment Comprehend Concrete Confident Consider Connect Convince

Create Dazzling Decide Define Deliver Develop Discover

Distinguish Dream Drive Eccentric Effective Embrace Emphasize

Ensure Envision Establish Evaluate Exactly Examine Expect

Explore Exquisite Fascinating Flow Foresee Foundation Gain

Gather Generate Generous Gigantic Gorgeous Grasp Grip

Horizon Hunch Hush Hustle Idea Identify Ignite

Illuminate Illusion Illustrate Imagine Implement Important Improve

Improvise Increase Incredible Innovate Inspiration Inspire Intensify

Interesting Jubilant Knowledge Learn Leverage Lively Magnificent

PERSUASIVE WORDS A – ZPersuasive words motivate readers. Imagine the impact of persuasive words in your writing. Here are a

few sparks for igniting the power of your persuasive essay.

marvelous Master Maximize measure Mobilize Motivate Notice Observe Outlook

outrageous Overcome Perception Persuade Petite phenomenal Pinpoint Plan Popular

Position Positive Prepare Proclaim Profit Profitable Proud Quality Quest

Realize Reconsider Reduce Refresh Remark Replace Respond Retain Roaring

Rush Sacrificing Scan Scene Scope Sensitive Shatter Shift Shout

Silence simplify Softly Solid Solve Speak speechless Superb Stimulate

Succeed Superior Supplement Support Tantalizing Tempting Together tranquil Transform

Tremendous Truly Trustworthy Understand Unleash Vibrant View Vision Voice

Witness Workable Worthwhile

TRANSITION WORDS

WORDS THAT CAN BE USED TO SHOW LOCATION:Above Across Against Along Among Around Behind Below Beneath

Beside Between Beyond By Down In back of In front of Inside Into

Near Off Onto Outside Over Throughout To the right

Under underneath

WORDS USED THAT CAN BE USED TO SHOW TIME:While After At Before During First Second Third

Now Until Meanwhile Today Tomorrow Next week Yesterday Soon

Later Afterward About Finally Then Next As soon as When suddenly

WORDS THAT CAN BE USED TO COMPARE TWO THINGS:Likewise Also While In the same way

Like As Similarly

TRANSITION WORDS

WORDS THAT CAN BE USED TO CONTRAST TWO THINGS:

But Still Although On the other hand

However Yet Otherwise Even though

WORDS THAT CAN BE USED TO CLARIFY:

That is For instance In other words

WORDS THAT CAN BE USED TO EMPHASIZE A POINT

Again Truly Especially For this reason

To repeat In fact To emphasize

WORDS THAT CAN BE USED TO ADD INFORMATION

Again Another For instance For example

Also As well Next And

Besides Finally Moreover Along with

In addition For example Additionally Other

Concluding Transitions

• Clearly

• Hence

• Evidently

• Ergo (a continuing thought)• Thus• Therefore• As one can see

CHEETTA

NO SECOND PERSON PRONOUNS!

“YOU” “YOUR “YOURS” SHOULD NOT BE USED IN FORMAL WRITING!

“You” is sometimes acceptable in the introduction paragraph for your HOOK only, but nowhere else. It is considered informal. We should NOT write how we speak, put your tuxedo and best dress on when you write!

Use “we, us, our, ours” or “one” or “students”

Having a Strong VOICE in your Writing

• You feel a strong connection to the writer’s…–Emotion–Energy–Conviction–Integrity–…you feel SOMETHING!

Voice is…• Person behind the words• Reader Writer• Involvement• Awareness of audience• Individualistic• Expressive

Who’s Voice is This?8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My

favorite thing!

11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Who’s Voice is This?Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre

little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are

fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for

the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to

keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream

of escape. In an attempt to disgust them I once again vomit on the

carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their

feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly

demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made

condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. There

was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight.

Who’s Voice is This?

I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage…

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one ofmy tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must trythis again tomorrow – but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced thatthe other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receivesspecial privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be morethan willing to return. He is obviously an idiot. The bird has got to be

an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…

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Be certain to: Read each paragraph

carefully more than once to see what makes this sample essay a good one.

Review actual graded NJ ASK persuasive essays on the class website.

Note the scores and understand WHY they received them.

Note the strengths AND the weaknesses!!

SAMPLE ESSAYS

Summer: 15 Days or 2 1/2 Months?Student Example – INTRODUCTION paragraph

The final bell rings. It’s the last day of school, and summer has finally come! Students don’t have to think about school for at least another 2 1/2 months. That is the way it should always be. Schools should continue using the traditional calendar and not a year-round schedule (position). There are numerous downsides to year-round schooling. It has no positive effects on education (1), it adds to costs (2), and it disrupts the long-awaited summer vacation (3).

Student’s Opinion

Student’s 3 reasons OPINION + 3 REASONS =

THESIS STATEMENT

Paragraph 2 – Reason 1 = Student ExampleContrary to the well-accepted belief, year-

round schooling has no constructive impact on education. (1) Most year-round schedules use the 45-15 method: 45 days of school followed by 15 days off. Because of this, there are many first and last days of school. All those transitions disrupt the learning process. Also, (2) there is no evidence of higher test scores. Due to that, many schools that change to year-round schedules end up switching back. For example, (3) since 1980, 95 percent of schools that tried the year-round schedule changed back to a traditional calendar. It is obvious that changing to year-round schooling does not help students; therefore, why is the change necessary?

Reason 1

Supporting Detail 2

Supporting Detail 1

Supporting Detail 3

Get the reader thinking with a thought-provoking question.

Paragraph 3 – Reason 2 - Student ExampleLike any other facility, keeping a school open

requires a great deal of money. When a school changes to a year-round schedule, the costs skyrocket. (1) Keeping school open in the middle of summer requires air conditioning, and that adds significantly to the school’s expenses. The usual utility bills grow because of the additional open-school time. Finally, (2) teachers must be paid for all the weeks they are working. With all these factors, the cost of keeping schools open becomes immensely high. For example, (3) a high school in Arizona had a cost increase of $157,000 when they switched to year-round schooling. Some schools may not be able to handle such increases, and other schools that can handle these expenses could be doing better things with the money. Is year-round school really where the money should go?

Reason 2

Supporting Detail 3

Supporting Detail 2

Supporting Detail 1

Paragraph 4 – Reason 3 - Student ExampleAn important part of a child’s life is

summertime. With year-round schedules, students would hardly have any time to relax. (1) During the 15-day breaks, they would be thinking about their quick return to school. (2) It would also be difficult to coordinate family vacations with parents’ work schedules. (3) Similarly, children would not be able to go to most summer camps. (4) One expert, Dr. Peter Scales, says, “The biggest plus of camp is that camps help young people discover and explore their talents, interests, and values. Most schools don’t satisfy all these needs. Kids who have these kinds of [camp] experiences end up being healthier and have fewer problems.” Obviously, the summer is crucial to a child’s learning and development. Why should this invaluable part of a young person’s life be taken away?

Reason 3

Supporting Detail 1 & 2

Supporting Detail 3 & 4

Get the reader thinking with a

thought-provoking question.

Counterargument – Could be part of your 3rd Body Paragraph (4th paragraph of your essay)

Student Example

But does this really make sense to everyone? (1) Teachers and other education professionals spend a lot of time at the beginning of the school year reviewing material from the previous year. These days and weeks of “review” could be used more effectively if the lessons continued to move forward , not backward. Also, By having their children in school with short breaks in between sessions, parents would not have to pay for additional, expensive childcare. Even if (2) there are no classes taking place during summer hours, the building is still being used, therefore utility costs remain consistent throughout the year. (3) And finally, there has been a significant increase in families staying home during the summer months due to the downturn in the economy. Because of this, travel and vacations have become practically nonexistent for families with school age children. According to AAA, last year alone, there was a 53% decrease in air travel.

Reason 1

Reason 2

Reason 3

Paragraph 5 – Conclusion - Student Example

As one can see, it is evident that year-round schooling is not the best option for the school calendar. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional school year. Why change something that works so well? The final bell rings. Let’s make sure this bell means that the “real” summer vacation has come.

Concluding transition

phrase

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PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES& TOOLS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cThuaPUD_Q&feature=PlayList&p=16B069ABF7F24A36&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15

In an episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Marie writes a persuasive letter to the FBI interviewer whom is interviewing Robert (her son)…

What is the issue that Marie is

arguing to the FBI boss?

What reasons/examples

does she use in her letter to persuade

the boss?

Persuasive Techniques…how to convince your audience

• Facts (surprising)

• Rhetorical Questioning• Examples • Statistics• Comparison/Analogies• Anecdotes• Repetition of Ideas• Quotations

Remember FRESCA for refreshing ways to persuade your audience!

Allusion – Reference to something outside the text.Including allusions in our writing can also enhance our essays.

Historical figuresA time period in historyCurrent event in the mediaLiterary characterMovieBookPoemSongQuote by another author

Real-Life Examples & Allusions in Body Paragraphs

Real-Life Examples & Allusions in Body Paragraphs

• It is also important that we try to include “real-life” examples in our body paragraphs. Including real-life examples will enhance your writing.

• SAMPLE: – Topic: Athlete's are overpaid. – Real life example in body paragraph:

• I remember my thirteenth birthday party like it was yesterday. It was a wonderful day until my father informed me that he could not afford to purchase the tickets to the Giant’s game I wanted so badly to attend. At first I became angry, but then I realized that the tickets were over $200 each for average seats. I then realized I could enjoy the game more with my family at home and big bowl of popcorn.

Get to Know Your Enemy! Explain and refute the opposite view within your essay…

These newscasters argue that cell phones SHOULDN’T be allowed in

schools. One newscaster tries to refute or negate their argument, but she doesn’t do a great job. What other

argument could you use to “negate the opposition” (prove the other side

wrong).

How would you refute or negate

the two newscasters’

opinion that cell phones shouldn’t be permitted in

schools?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTKZ6jovfso

Types of Arguments• LOGOS (logic) means an argument based on reason.

• PATHOS (passion or emotions) is the use of emotional arguments to get the audience to accept one’s viewpoint. It is intended that the message inspire followers.

• ETHOS (ethics or morals) is a moral or ethical argument that appeals to the reader’s morals or values; what the reader believes is morally or ethically right. Aristotle called it the “moral rightness” of an argument.

Rhetoric = The Art of PersuasionThe history of rhetoric and the concepts of

ethos, pathos and logos began in Greece.

Who was Aristotle?Aristotle was a famous Greek

philosopher who studied the art of persuasion.

Aristotle taught Alexander the Great how to properly argue and perform a

public speech.

Plato, another famous Greek

philosopher, was his teacher.

Ethos, Logos and PathosIn approximately 300 B.C.E. Aristotle, who was a

famous Greek philosopher, wrote a book entitled, “The Art of Rhetoric.” In his book, Aristotle identified the three methods of persuasion. He called them ethos, pathos and logos.

Ethos = a MORAL argument• The word "ethos" came from the Greek word

“ethikos” meaning moral or showing moral character. 

• Aristotle contends (argues or says) that a speaker must establish moral credibility in the minds of the audience at the beginning of his or her speech.  

• An “ethos” argument demonstrates a moral or ethical argument that appeals to the reader’s morals or values; what the reader believes is morally or ethically right.

For example, when a trusted doctor gives you advice, you may not understand all of the

medical reasoning behind the advice, but you nonetheless follow the directions because you believe that the doctor knows what she/he is

talking about. 

Pathos = an EMOTIONAL argument• An effective use of “pathos” will alter the mindsets of the

audience through the use of emotional appeal. • Appeals to pathos touch a nerve and compel people to

not only listen, but to also take the next step and act in the world.

• Those who wish to persuade you will play with your emotions. They may persuade you with fear, love, patriotism, guilt, hate or joy.

LogosLogos means logic

• Logos refers to any attempt to appeal to the intellect OR, our brains.

• Logos appeals to the left side of the audience's brain.  The audience relies on reasoning and facts to make its decision.  – Numbers, polls and statistics are also

examples of the persuasive use of logic. 

REVIEWEthos, Pathos and

Logos1. ETHOS= an ethical or moral argument

2. PATHOS= an emotional argument

3. LOGOS= a logical argument

Logos (logic) means an argument based on reason.

• Examples:

– “OnStar service inside your car is better than carrying a cell phone because a cell phone can’t call for you when you’re injured.”

– “There was no discernible difference in the ACT scores of graduating seniors who wore school uniforms and those who didn’t.”

– “We are the only company who will roll over and save your unused phone minutes each month.”

– “Stand firm, parents. If you say ‘no’ at first and then give in later, you are only teaching your children to beg, whine and pester you.”

PATHOS (passion or emotions) is the use of emotional arguments to get the audience to

accept one’s viewpoint. It is intended that the message inspire followers.• Examples:

– A politician says that we have to fight the war “over” there so that we don’t have to fight it here at home.

– A commercial offers to tell you what your friends won’t.– A newspaper editorial for private-school vouchers states

that our public schools are dens of thieves and thugs.– A high school runs an article about drinking and

driving with detailed descriptions and graphic pictures of automobile crashes.

ETHOS (ethics or morals) is a moral or ethical argument that appeals to the reader’s morals or values; what the reader

believes is morally or ethically right.

• Examples:

– “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” — John Fitzgerald Kennedy

– “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

– “The way ahead is not easy. We shall need all the wisdom, imagination, and courage we can muster. We must and shall guarantee the civil rights of all our citizens.” – Harry Truman addressing the NAACP Home Page